Mother Hua's eyes narrowed when she heard the name of the poor girl from Jose's mouth.
Blu?
What kind of name is it?
It's like the name of a pet.
Mother Hua never thought that someone would have the heart to name a child with such a name. Moreover, if she was a mother, but the fact says otherwise. Mother Hua let out a deep sigh. A new name suddenly appeared in her mind.
Slowly, together with Jose, they entered her bedroom and saw the girl. She still enjoying herself under the morning sun while closing her eyes.
Hearing the steps approaching her slowly, the girl opened her eyes and turned her head. Mother Hua sat up next to her and gently tapped her back. Anger and loneliness have disappeared from those blue eyes. Her face is radiant and her cheeks beam in slight rosy. Compared to her disheveled look before, this girl had turned into a normal woman who had just woken up. Even though she still messy, her features gleamed her natural beauty from deep within.
"How are you?"
The girl smiled sweetly and raised her thumbs. Mother Hua smiled and rubbed her back gently.
"Thank God.."
"Listen to me, girl. From now on… your name is no longer Blu. Starting from today, your name is Arissa. Do you hear me? Arissa Nova. You are the best woman and mother ever. Nova means strong and brilliant. You are a tough woman and a fighter who is blessed with a very beautiful face. You'll have a wonderful future and I am sure you will be an amazing woman…. "
The girl gasped in shock when she heard all the words pouring out of this old woman's mouth. Her loving gaze had crushed the last stronghold and fotress inside her. Slowly, her tears began to melt down on her cheeks. Mother Hua wiped it gently while she asked.
"Do you like it? Your new name?"
The girl nodded firmly and hugged the old nun in a bone crushing hug while she howling in relief. Unleashed what was left inside her and letting her kindness pampered her. Showering her with a stream of unconditional mercy. There were never been someone as good as her from the first time she was born on this earth. None ever had done such a thing to her as well. Poured out all their affection like Mother Hua and Jose has done to her.
"Aris ... .sa Nova ..."
The girl repeated her new name while a smile beamed on her happy face. Over and over again. Like a magical chant.
"Yes ... Arissa Nova ..."
"Arissa ... Arissa ... Arissa ..."
The girl kept on repeating her new name happily while she keeps hugging Mother Hua tightly in her embrace and she hugged the girl in return and patted her back affectionately. This morning, a new soul was reborn. A rebirth of a new girl with her new identity. No more Blu but Arissa Nova.
Jose's eyes redden and filled with tears as he watched the whole scene. He remembered his own past when he was accidentally caught stealing bread in the market by a shop keeper but at the same time, Mother Hua was there too. And finally, she paid for the bread. It was the seventh day after both of his parents were arrested by the police and he has nowhere to go. He was left abadoned on the street and he was starving. His instinct only tells one thing to do.
Survive.
But on that fateful day, he met his goddess of fortunes as his savior. His life rescuer. Someone who has destined to be his home. A safe haven for him.
Ever since that day, he entered her life. If Sister Hua didn't show up that day, his fate probably ended it up in the sewers or even worse. He could be a pocket thief or a beggar. Busying himself begging on the street with no future. Now, slowly, with a straight head, his path life was steady and clear. He no longer feels scared of what future has hold for him ahead.
.................
Slowly, Mother Hua pulled herself from the girl's embrace and took her out of the room and meet other kids outside.
Arissa looked confused and stared at the younger kids in front of her who also glanced at her with a deep furrow on their forehead. As if she was an alien. But then, a firm order came out from the old lady's mouth.
"Arissa, you have to take a shower now. Anne will help you to clean yourself... "
A sad-eyed young woman walked towards them. Seeing the young getting closer to her, Arissa flinched and shuffled back a bit but the old lady held her hand and calmed her down.
"It's okay. This is Anne. She will help you now. Don't be afraid…"
"We will be waiting for you here .. "
Arissa nodded slowly and soon, she followed the young lady to the bathroom hand by hand. After she left, the old lady gazed at Jose's face. A genuine smile curved on her lips.
"Thank you so much, Jose…"
Jose chuckled and shook his head while he laughed lightly.
"What did I do, mom?"
"It was nothing compared with what have you done to me before in the past…."
"Let's say… it's a repayment…"
Then, he held the old's lady hand. "By the way, how are you?"
She nodded her head and chuckled. "Never been better, Jose. All thanks to you.."
After a while, a fresh scent of soap smelt of. A fragnance of lily and camomile fills their nostril. A tall woman with half-soaked hair moved towards them. There was a tint of rosy blushed on her cheeks when she asked them shyly.
"... mmm…. Mother? How do I look?"
They both turned their head to the same direction and Jose's eyes widened in disbelief as he gasped and covered his mouth shockedly.
Right in front of them, a woman stood gracefully. Her half-soaked hair sleeky fell on her shoulder and curved her heart-shaped face perfectly. Her big bright blue round eyes flawlessly matched with her face. Like a pair of blue lake. Her pointy nose effortlessly matched with her chiseled jaw. Her face features are beautiful, yet, symmetrically sculptured. Meanwhile, her fair skin radiantly glows naturally. Her appearance, after she cleaned herself properly, was completely the opposite of the shabby girl that they were saw before.
"A… Arissa?" asked Jose flabbergasted in awe. He was completely stunned and speechless.
This girl is a goddess!
She's not a human!
Arissa nodded shyly. Her face even reddens with amusement after she saw their reaction towards her.
"Yes, it's me. Why?"
"Is there something wrong?"
"You… look... different."
A shy smile appears on her face once again. This time, Jose really couldn't take his eyes off this heavenly beauty at all!
"Arissa, starting today, you will learn a lot here. You have to be more discipline and be a good role for all the younger kids in this place. Would you?"
Arissa nodded firmly.
"Did you ever learn how to read and write?"
Arissa shook her head. The old lady let out a deep sigh heavily while Jose massaged his forehead in confusion.
"Okay ... starting from this afternoon, you will learn lots of things including how to read and write as well .."
Without saying anything else, Arissa nodded her head obediently once more.
"Good…"